When I first started this blog, I only followed a couple of other ones. A couple months in though, and I realized that the food blog scene is vast and seriously, amazing. And the best part about it? I've been able to interact with so many bloggers. They are some of the sweetest, coolest, and friendliest people I've ever talked to, even if it is through email and Instagrams. They've inspired me, and in more ways than one - my baking skills have improved, and I've been viewing the world a little differently since reading posts about living whole and happy lives. I'm being more creative in the kitchen, and most importantly, I'm having way more fun.

I love making up my own recipes, but there are just some days where I like to follow instructions leisurely and somewhat mindlessly, knowing that the end result will be delicious. And while the Internet is glorious in its own right, there is seriously nothing better than opening up a cookbook and reading printed words. We're surrounded by so many screens nowadays that even just an hour away refreshes me.

My cookbook collection is slowly growing. Andrew has been a huge contributor to the little library, and my newest book from him is currently my cookbook crush. The Year of Cozy by Adrianna is absolutely beautiful, thoughtful, and most importantly, cozy, as the name implies. It has some beautiful ideas that go beyond cooking, including some of the prettiest craft projects and inspirational tidbits of ways to just enjoy life. And that's why I love this book - it gives me more than just new recipes, but a new way of thinking. It makes me even more grateful for starting a blog in the first place, because if I hadn't I'm not quite sure I would be reading cookbooks and finding joy in these new ways.

I made these dark chocolate chunk turtle cookies from the December section of Adrianna's cookbook, and they are just as good as they look. The caramel melts into little puddles in the dough, and the flaky sea salt on top balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar and the dark chocolate. They are thin but chewy, the way I loved cookies as a kid (and still do). The dough chills overnight so it takes a little patience, but the flavors truly develop while sitting, just like the all-too-famous New York Times chocolate chip cookie. I can't sing enough praises about this cookie. Or this book.

I thought to give out the recipe, but I realized that it's not quite my place to be giving out a cookbook recipe without asking the author. So I'm leaving you with only photos and a strong recommendation to buy this cookbook. You can find it on Amazon, and it's completely, 100% worth it. In fact, it'd be a phenomenal Christmas gift, whether to a friend, sibling, or maybe just a Merry Christmas to yourself (not judging here).

Happy Saturday! Go eat a cookie, because it's the best part of the week!